Elevations of Rio Grande National Forest Continental Divide Trail routes range from 10,500 feet to near 13,000 feet at a few isolated locations. At times, the trail will cross back and forth over the Continental Divide. A substantial portion of the Continental Divide Trail is above timberline. The trail along the Continental Divide travels through segments of the La Garita, Weminuche, and South San Juan Wildernesses.
Travel along the trail is difficult and sometimes impossible in early June when many northbounders arrive. When planning a schedule that puts you at Cumbres Pass around Memorial Day you should be prepared for winter mountaineering conditions and high water at stream crossings. Weather conditions along the Continental Divide will change by the hour. Trail routes will often be hidden by drifted snow, making route finding very difficult, if not impossible. High winds can also be expected. Expect lightning and thunder snowstorms in June at high elevation.
Forget snowshoes. You will still posthole in rotten spring snow, and now you have a snowshoe strapped to your foot. I tried it with little success. I also tore the deck off both shoes in the first day crossing shallow streams and rocky ground. If you take the shoes off between snow patches you will average about 2 miles a day, spending most of your time strapping shoes on and off.
If you are planning to hike the Continental Divide Trail information is your best preparation. Good maps and good gear can make all the difference. At this point in the trail you will experience the biggest contrast of the trek. You will most likely leave drought conditions in New Mexico and be forced to deal with Colorado moisture in many forms, snow, rain, sleet, water crossings and sweat.
The trail section from Cumbres Pass to Spring Creek Pass offers vast, panoramic views in all directions. It is well worth the price of admission.
Travel along the trail is difficult and sometimes impossible in early June when many northbounders arrive. When planning a schedule that puts you at Cumbres Pass around Memorial Day you should be prepared for winter mountaineering conditions and high water at stream crossings. Weather conditions along the Continental Divide will change by the hour. Trail routes will often be hidden by drifted snow, making route finding very difficult, if not impossible. High winds can also be expected. Expect lightning and thunder snowstorms in June at high elevation.
Forget snowshoes. You will still posthole in rotten spring snow, and now you have a snowshoe strapped to your foot. I tried it with little success. I also tore the deck off both shoes in the first day crossing shallow streams and rocky ground. If you take the shoes off between snow patches you will average about 2 miles a day, spending most of your time strapping shoes on and off.
If you are planning to hike the Continental Divide Trail information is your best preparation. Good maps and good gear can make all the difference. At this point in the trail you will experience the biggest contrast of the trek. You will most likely leave drought conditions in New Mexico and be forced to deal with Colorado moisture in many forms, snow, rain, sleet, water crossings and sweat.
The trail section from Cumbres Pass to Spring Creek Pass offers vast, panoramic views in all directions. It is well worth the price of admission.
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